ASD, ADHD, mental health conditions and psychopharmacology in neurogenetic syndromes: parent survey. (25th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reilly, C.; Senior, J.; Murtagh, L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual disability research. Volume 59:Part 4(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 318
• Publication Date: 2014-06-25
• Subjects: Mental retardation -- Research -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1111/jir.12147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-2633

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jir12147-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>There are a number of neurogenetic syndromes with well described behavioural phenotypes including fragile X syndrome, Prader–Willi syndrome, Williams syndrome and velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome (VCFS). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychiatric conditions are often associated with the syndromes.</p> </sec> <sec id="jir12147-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>Parents (<italic>n</italic> = 381) of school‐aged children with one of the four syndromes in the UK and Ireland were asked whether their child had been professionally diagnosed with ASD, ADHD or a mental health condition. Parents were also asked whether their child had been prescribed medication for behavioural or psychiatric reasons.</p> </sec> <sec id="jir12147-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The highest level of reported diagnoses of ASD and ADHD was in fragile X syndrome. In all syndrome groups, lower rates of diagnosis were reported in comparison to previously published research. Prescribing of medication for behavioural/psychiatric reasons was highest in fragile X syndrome although the highest usage of melatonin was in Williams syndrome.</p> </sec> <sec id="jir12147-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Reasons for a lower recognition of ASD, ADHD and mental health conditions in clinical practice compared with research studies may include 'diagnostic overshadowing' due to presence of intellectual disability and a genetic syndrome. However, there may also be a lack of belief in the utility of such diagnoses in neurogenetic syndromes among relevant professionals and/or lack of access to professionals with sufficient expertise in the recognition of such diagnoses in those with neurogenetic syndromes. The low rates of prescribing of medication for behavioural/psychiatric reasons may reflect the low level of clinical diagnoses or lack of belief in the utility of psychopharmacology in this population.</p> </sec> </abstract>